How to Smoke Kava Tea

by
IRELAND WOLFE Last Updated: Dec 24, 2015

Ireland Wolfe

Ireland Wolfe has been writing professionally since 2009, contributing to Toonari Post, Africana Online and Winzer Insurance. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Master of Arts in mental health counseling. She is also a licensed mental health counselor, registered nutritionist and yoga teacher.

Kava is a Pacific plant with a peppery taste. The root of the plant has been used in the Pacific region throughout history. It is often used as a tea but some natives would chew on the root. It has been used to treat insomnia, urinary tract infections, anxiety, depression and menopausal symptoms. Kava is not normally smoked but in recent years, some smoke shops have begun to offer kava alone or mixed with a blend to smoke.

Step 1

Research kava tea. There are some potential harmful side effects. Some countries in Europe have banned the sale of kava root because of possible liver toxicity. Other potential side effects include a rash, nausea, headaches, tremors, restlessness and shortness of breath.

Step 2

Purchase kava. It is available in many different forms -- but if you want to smoke pure kava, you should purchase it in the powder form.

Step 3

Put kava powder in a tobacco pipe. You could also wrap the powder in cigarette papers to smoke. The leaves of a kava plant should not be smoked or consumed. In 2003, University of Hawaii scientists studied kava after the reports of liver toxicity. The scientists found that the traditionally discarded stems and leaves of kava contain a toxic alkaloid which is not present in the plant's roots. The stems and leaves were believed to be in some of the extract used in the herbal supplements and caused liver damage.

Step 4

Smoke the kava in your pipe or cigarette. Take one smoke to start with. People report different effects with kava including muscle relaxation, calmed nerves, and sedation. Until you know how it will affect you, you should start with very small quantities.

Warnings

There is some research that kava can cause liver toxicity. This is likely because some kava extract sold contains leaves and stems which are thought to cause the toxicity. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after smoking kava. Kava is classified as dietary supplement in the United States and is not regulated by the FDA.

Tips

Smoking kava tea is not common especially in the Pacific region. Some people report feeling similar effects to drinking the tea while others say burning kava will destroy the kavalactones, the active ingredient kava tea.

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